The Art Of Putting On A Seal Skin Boat Cover

Seal Skin boat covers are made from incredibly durable and long-lasting marine-quality polyester. They are designed to protect boats from harsh weather conditions, dirt, dust, bird droppings, and other external factors. The installation process for a Seal Skin boat cover involves first identifying any sharp points or edges on the boat and covering them with extra cloth or foam pads. The cover should then be placed over the front of the boat and slowly pulled over until it covers the entire vessel. The cover should be centred and even on all sides, with all tie-down straps located and separated. The straps should then be threaded through the corresponding loops and buckles, and the cover should be tightened to ensure a snug fit. Support poles can be positioned underneath the cover if desired.

Identify sharp points and edges on the boat and cover them with cloth or foam pads

Before installing a boat cover, it is important to identify any sharp points or edges on the boat. This is because these sharp points could potentially puncture the cover, compromising its integrity and effectiveness. Therefore, it is crucial to take the necessary precautions to protect both your boat and the cover.

Begin by thoroughly inspecting your boat for any sharp edges or protrusions. Pay close attention to areas such as the corners, edges of the boat, and any fixtures or fittings that may have sharp or pointed surfaces. A thorough inspection will help ensure that no potential hazards are overlooked.

Once you have identified these sharp points, the next step is to cover them with extra cloth or fabric. This adds a layer of protection between the sharp edge and the boat cover. By doing so, you can prevent accidental tears or punctures in the cover. Make sure the cloth is securely fastened over the sharp edges to avoid slippage.

Alternatively, you can use foam pads to cover the sharp points. Foam pads provide a soft and cushioned barrier, effectively protecting the cover from potential damage. Adhere the foam pads securely to the identified sharp points, ensuring they are firmly in place. This will help maintain the integrity of the cover and ensure its longevity.

By taking these precautionary measures, you can confidently proceed with installing your boat cover, knowing that both your boat and cover are protected. This simple yet important step demonstrates your commitment to maintaining your boat and its accessories, ensuring they remain in optimal condition for years to come.

Find the 'front' end of the cover and secure it first

To put on a seal skin boat cover, you must first identify the front end of the cover. This is usually labelled with a printed or sewn-in tag that says "front". Once you have found the front end, you can begin the process of securing it to the boat.

The first step is to place the cover over the front portion of the boat. Make sure to avoid any sharp corners or edges as you do this, as they could potentially puncture the cover. If you notice any sharp points, it is important to cover them with extra cloth or foam pads before placing the cover.

After the front portion of the boat is covered, you can start pulling the cover slowly over the rest of the vehicle. Ensure that the cover is centred and even on all sides as you do this. Continue pulling the cover towards the rear of the boat, stretching it over the sides until it is fully covered.

Once the cover is in place, you can locate and separate all of the tie-down straps. The number of straps you use may vary depending on the size of your boat cover. For larger boats, you may need to use all of the straps provided, while for smaller boats, you may only need a few.

Now you can begin securing the cover by threading the straps through the tie-down loops. Take the buckle end of each strap and thread it through the loop from back to front, pulling through approximately 12 inches. Then, tie off with a simple overhand knot to secure the strap in place.

Repeat this process for all of the straps, guiding the opposite end of each strap around the trailer and through the quick-release buckle. Be sure to keep the cover centred and taut as you work, adjusting the straps as needed.

Stretch the cover towards the rear, ensuring it's centred and even on all sides

Now that you've located the "front" tag on your boat cover, it's time to stretch the cover towards the rear. This step is crucial to ensure a snug and secure fit. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Begin by grasping the cover at the "front" end and slowly pulling it towards the rear of the boat. Ensure you are pulling it evenly on both sides to maintain a centred position. As you stretch the cover, be mindful of any sharp edges or corners on the boat. These sharp points can puncture or tear the cover, so it's important to either cover them with extra cloth or use foam pads to protect the cover.

As you work your way towards the rear, continue to check that the cover remains centred and even on all sides. Adjust as necessary to ensure it is properly aligned. This step is important because an uneven or off-centred cover may not provide adequate protection and can lead to premature wear and tear.

Once you've reached the rear of the boat, the cover should be fully stretched out and in position. It's important to ensure the cover is taut and secure before moving on to the next step of securing the tie-down straps. A snug fit will help protect your boat from the elements and prevent sagging areas that can collect standing water or snow, which can shorten the lifespan of your cover.

Remember to take your time during this process and make any necessary adjustments to ensure the cover is stretched evenly and centred. A proper fit will not only make your boat look neat but also provide optimal protection from the elements and potential damage.

Locate and separate all tie-down straps

Once you have stretched the cover over the sides of the boat, ensuring it is centred and even on all sides, it's time to locate and separate all the tie-down straps. This is an important step as it will ensure that your boat is entirely and properly covered, preventing a loose fit that can flap in strong winds.

Seal Skin boat covers come with a universal strap set, which means there may be extra straps or items that are not necessary for your specific boat. The number of straps you use will depend on the size of your boat cover. For larger boats, you may need to use all the tie-down straps, while for smaller boats, you may only need a few.

Before tightening the straps, make sure the cover is centred on the boat. This will ensure a snug fit, eliminating sagging areas that can collect standing water and snow, reducing the lifespan of your cover.

Now, locate all the tie-down straps and separate them by length. Thread the longest straps through the middle loops and secure the ends to the buckles. Then, take the shorter straps and loop the end around the trailer frame, threading the other end through the loop up to the female buckle on the cover. Leave the strap loose in the buckle until all the straps are in place.

Once all the straps are in position, go back and tighten them, ensuring the cover is taut. This will help to further secure the cover and protect your boat from the elements.

Thread the longest straps through the middle loops and secure with buckles

To thread the longest straps through the middle loops and secure them with buckles, follow these steps:

Firstly, identify the longest straps and the middle loops on your Seal Skin boat cover. The middle loops are the belt loops sewn onto the outside surface of the cover. The straps are part of the universal strap set included with your cover, and there may be extra straps that are not needed for your specific boat.

Now, take the longest strap and thread it through the middle loop from back to front. Pull the strap through until approximately 12 inches are left on the other side. Then, tie off the strap with a simple overhand knot to secure it in place.

Next, guide the loose end of the strap (the end that was initially at the front) around the trailer, again from back to front. This step will depend on the specific design of your boat, but the general idea is to thread the strap through the loop and then back onto itself.

Now, take the loose end of the strap and thread it through the top slot of the quick-release buckle. Pull the strap end towards you and then continue threading it over the centre bar of the buckle and into the bottom slot. The strap is now fully adjustable, and you can pull down on the loose end to tighten it.

Finally, repeat this process for all the longest straps and middle loops. Ensure that the cover is centred on the boat, and then tighten all the straps securely so that the cover is taut.

Once all the longest straps are in place, you can move on to using the shorter straps and then any support poles (if your cover has them).

Frequently asked questions